1:38 PM...

...or "Stick a feather in me, I'm done". I came across this little scene on the mud flats along the Cobequid Trail. It was a hot July summer day when I spotted this feather lodged in the half-baked mud. As you can see by the shadow cast by the feather the time was 1:38 in the afternoon, though the second hand might be a little slow. I thought it was interesting and took a few shots. Thought about cropping the shot to make the feather more prominent in the frame, but it just didn't look right, at least to me. And before you ask: No, I did not stage the photo or manipulate the scene in any way. Outside of enhancing the colour tones that is. Hope you enjoy and your comments welcomed.

Well you had me and my work friends scratching are heads my friend. 1.38 pm says Rob, were does he get that time from? Ian.. i say it because there on Eastern time not GMT Time like us lol.Great photo we all agree it like being in the worlds potter class room.Great capture of texture and colour and heat.Well done my friend.PS i can see finger prints in the mud were you placed the feather.

I beg to differ. You said, "No, I did not stage the photo or manipulate the scene in any way." It is obvious that you took about $400,000, brought in some clay laden soil with some Caterpillar earth movers, used a supersized grader to level the surface and then used a number of water trucks to get the correct consistency for the mud to harden. Then you hired some illegal immigrants and gave them putty and carpet knives so that they could carve the surface with natural looking cracks. I've seen it done so many times before. This shot is a cliche. :-)

Actually you've created a grand composition. Great idea skipping the crop. Great colors, immaculate clarity and focus. I can't believe that Nova Scotia has a place that looks this hot and dry. Amazing stuff.

"I'm never going to be famous. My name will never be writ large on the roster of Those Who Do Things. I don't do any thing. Not one single thing. I used to bite my nails, but I don't even do that any more." -
Dorothy Parker (1893-1967)

Fantastic capture with great DOF and clarity, Wendell! I especially like the cracks and texture to the earth! A rare find, not only due to the feather's position, but also that it has taken on the same colour tones as the earth! It's also a fine choice for the abstract contest! Best of luck to you, my friend :)